White House vow to veto fishing law changes sparks fight

PORTLAND, Maine - A White House pledge to veto proposed changes to federal fishing laws is dividing fishermen over whether the rule changes should be saved or scrapped.

Congressman Don Young, an Alaska Republican, wants to change the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide fishery managers with more flexibility in rebuilding fish stocks. The White House issued a statement on May 19 saying President Barack Obama's administration "strongly opposes" the changes and his senior advisers would recommend a veto if a bill to authorize them passes.

Conservationists and some fishermen are celebrating the White House's stance because they believe the changes would harm conservation. But other fishermen say fishery managers need added flexibility.